Michael U.
Yelp
Based out of Bruges with a location now in Antwerp and chocolates offered at elite shops and restaurants throughout Belgium, The Chocolate Line by Dominique Persoone is considered by some to be one of the most innovative Chocolate Shops in all of Europe, a quick look at her collection showing influences coming from East and West with Historical favorites equally well crafted at a price that proves a bargain considering the quality of each tablet, praline and truffle.
Smaller than many of the country's elite chocolatiers, the store bordering on 'crowded' with glass cases lining one side, shelves on the other with a workshop behind the counter in back, those entering The Chocolate Line are immediately struck by the sheer variety of options and with several different boxes available the question becomes one of personal preference and just how much each guest chooses to splurge.
Open until 18h30 seven days a week, a bit later than Dumon or The Old Chocolate House with a better selection than both, temptation at The Chocolate Line comes in several forms with pralines being the most prevalent, the newest collection taking a look at the flavors of the world with a particular focus on China and India but also with items as unique as Chocolate infused with Tomato and Basil called the "Italien."
Offering several unique molds for the confections, some shaped like Buddha, Apples or Corncobs truly ornate, flavors ranging from Dark Ganache to Lychee and Ginger were particularly intriguing, the Saffron Curry as bold as might be expected while Pure Criollo was spicy without being too much so, the best bite of the group coming from the Walnut topped Milk Chocolate with a bittersweet interior, though the white chocolate Nougat was also quite great.